Subtraction (2-digit)
Subtracting Without Borrowing
To subtract 2-digit numbers, subtract the ones first, then the tens. For 58 − 23: ones 8 − 3 = 5, tens 5 − 2 = 3, so the answer is 35.
Subtraction means take away or how many are left.
Example 1: Subtract: 76 − 41.
Ones 6 − 1 = 5, tens 7 − 4 = 3, so 76 − 41 = 35.
Example 2: Subtract: 49 − 5.
Ones 9 − 5 = 4, tens stays 4, so 49 − 5 = 44.
Quick recap
- Subtract ones first, then tens.
- Subtraction means take away / how many left.
✓ Quick check
Subtract: 67 − 24 = ?
Ones 7 − 4 = 3, tens 6 − 2 = 4, so 43.
Subtract: 88 − 8 = ?
Ones 8 − 8 = 0, tens stays 8, so 80.
Subtracting With Borrowing
When the top ones digit is smaller, we borrow 1 ten from the tens place. For 52 − 27: ones 2 is smaller than 7, so borrow 1 ten — now 12 − 7 = 5, and tens become 4 − 2 = 2. The answer is 25.
Example 1: Subtract: 63 − 28.
Borrow: 13 − 8 = 5; tens 5 − 2 = 3, so 35.
Example 2: Subtract: 40 − 16.
Borrow: 10 − 6 = 4; tens 3 − 1 = 2, so 24.
Quick recap
- If the top ones digit is too small, borrow 1 ten.
- Borrowing makes the ones 10 more and the tens 1 less.
✓ Quick check
Subtract: 71 − 35 = ?
Borrow: 11 − 5 = 6; tens 6 − 3 = 3, so 36.
Subtract: 50 − 23 = ?
Borrow: 10 − 3 = 7; tens 4 − 2 = 2, so 27.
Addition–Subtraction Link & Word Problems
Addition and subtraction are opposite operations. If 30 + 20 = 50, then 50 − 20 = 30. We can use addition to check subtraction. In word problems, words like left, how many more and remaining mean subtract.
Example 1: Check: is 45 − 18 = 27 correct?
Add back: 27 + 18 = 45. Yes, it is correct.
Example 2: Amit had ₹50 and spent ₹35. How much is left?
50 − 35 = ₹15 left.
Quick recap
- Subtraction undoes addition (and the other way round).
- 'Left / remaining / how many more' means subtract.
✓ Quick check
If 24 + 16 = 40, then 40 − 16 = ?
Subtraction undoes addition, so 40 − 16 = 24.
A basket had 32 mangoes; 15 were sold. How many are left?
32 − 15 = 17 mangoes.
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